Visiting the Monchiero family is always a delight.

The route to Canale, 15 kilometers due north of the town of Alba, crosses the Tanaro river, and in doing so one leaves Langhe and enters the region of Roero. While it may be lesser-known than its neighbour, Roero is no less captivating. The soils are sandier, the hillsides are less imposing than in Barbaresco and Barolo. Consequently, the red wines, like the landscape, are softer, less stern and more delicate than in Langhe. It is also a terroir ideal for white wine production, where arneis is the grape variety of choice.

The tireless and affable Francesco runs the family domain, having taken over from his father Marco. Not only is it a joy to hang out and chat with Francesco, but he is also a vigneron of immense talent, so drinking with him is equally pleasurable. His white wines show an unbridled energy and purity. In red, the Pelisa barbera revels in its simplicity and the ease by which it drinks. The cuvée Srü is an authentic expression of Roero-grown nebbiolo, while “Printi” is more ambitious and can rival the wines of neighbouring Barolo.